How does the GC SRT8 perform in the snow? Do you have any problems getting around with the wider tires? I drive my GC as a daily driver and living in Pa I will encounter snow.
Thank you,
RTB

We've beat this topic to death, use the search button and you will find your info..

Well ... it's been beaten to death but I'm not sure there is much in the way of answers to be found ... a couple of variations of 18" wheels (one expensive set of direct bolt-ons and a less expensive set of 18" with an adapter). Some thoughts on 20" with all terrain truck tires, various posts related to perielli's scorpion line ... so far though no pics of anything installed (unless I'm missing something).

We'll know very soon, like Friday, in Minnesota? ;)

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Minneapolis&state=MN&site=MPX

My latest opinion is even more conservative than my original... Probably want to take it pretty easy on stock wheels, especially when turning, based on my accidental fish-tail on wet pavement the other night! :eek:

Im in Alaska and i have had no problems. Its irritatingly safe.

This is good info from someone living in Alaska. My opinion is that when the snow hits you have to drive safely and normally for the conditions and you should be fine. One big attraction for me to buy the Jeep SRT8 was the all wheel drive and SUV attributes - hopefully I won't be wrong. But time will tell as I haven't hit any snow yet. Of course if you drive like it wants to be driven the SRT8 will be totally unmanagable.

well said porschesrt8. I'm awaiting(not eargerly) the 1st snowfall up in Montreal and wonder how I'm going to make out with the beast. The plan is to take the GC out only when the roads are clear. Any snowfall will be handled with the wife's trusty acura 1.7 with SKINNY tires. :) My biggest concern is not the traction since I've lived up here all my life and know how to drive in the snow, but its our beautiful wheels. Salt can't be good for them and lord love us, we sure like to use a lot of salt up here :( Any ideas on winter protection for the wheels...couple coats of wax maybe?

Hey RTB - I'm in Erie - we've already had several days lake effect

I was surprised how well the srt responded. The traction system worked well. I used to have a Yukon 4 wheel drive and I thought the srt did better. The only problem I see is the 7" clearance on the front fairing

I'm planning on running mine through the winter, stock. Having said that, I've also been eyeballing that low, low front fairing...

I'm wondering, how hard would it be to put a normal GC fairing on for the winter...I know a new front nose for a Dodge Magnum is about $300.00 (don't ask)...or maybe just airbag it...

Automag - ditto for me, I am not hoing to buy a set of 4 wheels and tires just for the snow, I will keep the stock setup and have a blast in the snow! My street is steep, though, hope I can make it up the hill :eek:

I hear what y'all are saying ... been driving myself in snow for a long long time and beleive I can "probably" get by with the stock set-up. Unfortunately, the time when you realize you need snows is when you slide into an intersection and hope nothing is coming the other way.

I would really like to find some skinnies that work, but found absolutely nothing in that department so far. I remain hopeful that those that have picked a solution will post pics soon.

Changing the Fairing seems like an extreme solution although it would be cheaper than all new wheels & tires.

I've decided to not leave the house if there is more than 7" of snow. I'm going to just sit in the car and listen to Sirius until spring

I hear what y'all are saying ... been driving myself in snow for a long long time and beleive I can "probably" get by with the stock set-up. Unfortunately, the time when you realize you need snows is when you slide into an intersection and hope nothing is coming the other way.

My EXACT thoughts.. I had the same RSA's on my Infiniti FX until this one time when I was going 5-10 mph I almost hit someone crossing the street because my tires couldn't get any grip in the slushy snow. I was coming down an incline, VERY carefully and slowly. The ABS was working overtime and there was nothing I could do.
The next day I ordered Blizzak's and from that point on I vowed that I would never use "all season" mainly dry weather performance tires again on an SUV again.
Taking a chance on damaging my car, someone elses car or a person crossing the street isn't my idea of responsible driving.

Jayeepee - I live in a hilly area of NJ too and this is where this happened to me in the FX. Don't wait until it's too late, get the tires asap.. IMHO

Snow tires won't help if ice is present, unless they are studded.

+1 with what Trainer said.
There's a couple issues here: fear of cosmetic damage to very expensive wheels and the danger of not being able to control the vehicle reliably in winter conditions.
I am dissapointed in the options it seems GCSRT8 owners have. I suppose you have to pay to play with a 40K vehicle, but I sure hope some manufacturers begin to make some less expensive options. I like the idea of a thicker sidewall to protect the wheels from the poor winter roads (potholes) and curbs, etc.
The tire pressure monitoring capability complicates things too.

But the one time you can maintain control without rear-ending someone or sliding into an intersection is when we'd realize the $$ is well spent.

Everyone has to find their own comfort zone, but driving around in winter weather w/out appropriate rubber is flat out gambling :eek:

Snow tires won't help if ice is present, unless they are studded.


Studded tires have been banned in Ontario for at least 30 years (maybe longer)... plenty of snow and ice to go around and skinny snow tires have been more than up to the task.

I have driven Minnesota winters for the last 35 years with the following vehicles and have had no problems. I think you need to know how to drive in winter. Of course, Mpls-St. Paul is probably the salt capital of the country so that helps as well (not your vehicle though).

1) 1969 Gran Prix, 455 cu in, 360Hp, auto, rear drive (limited slip);
2) 1979 TA Trans Am, 400 cu in, 220Hp, 4Spd, rear drive (limited slip);
3) 1980 Suburban, 350 cu in, 180Hp, auto, rear drive (limited slip);
4) 1996 Suburban, 454 cu in, 290Hp, auto, rear drive (limited slip);
5) 2003 FX45, 271 cu in, 315Hp, auto, AWD.

I am not planning anything for the SRT8 and I will let everyone know how it goes this winter.

I had my tires siped at discount tire. Best I could do for now, but don't think I'll hit the snow or ice this year.

I've never actually purchased or run snow-rated tires. I grew up in Sask. and ran all-season tires year-round, on both 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles. I live in CT now and have been driving my 2WD S-10 work truck through the winters with all-seasons on them. A bit of weight in the back and away I go.

The stock Eagle RS-A EMTs are rated at 8 for dry traction, and 7 for both wet and snow. I'm gonna give 'em a shot this winter and see. I mean heck, it's an all wheel drive, right? (please no flames; I'm well aware of 4 wheel drive limitations)

I am also in Alaska and so far the stock tires are doing fine. I have been here since 1977 and I learned to drive on snow and ice. I have never switched-out tires my vehicles, I have never really seen a need. I drove my Ford Supercrew w/ 285/55/20 inch Eagle GT's for 5 years without any problems.

The AWD system works well and the traction control does a great job of controlling wheel spin. The roll mitigation system also helps control any sliding from the high horsepower.

I have to admit I was concerned about the winter handling, but truly the SRT is doing quite well thus far.

Do the stock tires have the mud/snow "M+S" rating on the sidewall? I havent got mine yet but...now in Germany, if your car doesn't have snow tires or at least snow rated all season tires and your involved in a snow/ice related accident, your insurance won't cover anything.(german insurance companys)
the way its looking, I might not even take delivery of my June ordered 07 till theres snow on the ground.

Do the stock tires have the mud/snow "M+S" rating on the sidewall? I havent got mine yet but...now in Germany, if your car doesn't have snow tires or at least snow rated all season tires and your involved in a snow/ice related accident, your insurance won't cover anything.(german insurance companys)
the way its looking, I might not even take delivery of my June ordered 07 till theres snow on the ground.
Yes. M+S stamped right in front of the tire size on the sidewall.

Well I have received my pirelli scorpion Ice and Snow (255/45/20)from www.Tirerack.com and I now have them installed on the Jeep. They work great, night and day difference between these and stock tires. They are not run flats Lucky No.8, I believe we have free roadside assistance from Chrystler:D


http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/SilverSRT-8/09-11-06_1350.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/SilverSRT-8/09-11-06_1351.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/SilverSRT-8/09-11-06_1352.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o172/SilverSRT-8/09-11-06_1353.jpg

They look good ... thanks for posting some pics


Are they run-flats ? ... if not what are you doing for a spare ?

The Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow tires look like they are on your stock rims? Must be same size front and rear as factory rubber? I called tirerack.com and they told me they don't even sell a Scorpion snow tire for the rear wheel of the SRT8 yet I seem to see them installed on your ride from tirerack.com. I told them I'm looking at a picture of a fellow Canadian vehicle with rubber from tirerack.com. He told me to grab another beer. Have I got the facts about what you did wrong?

I am also in Alaska and so far the stock tires are doing fine. I have been here since 1977 and I learned to drive on snow and ice. I have never switched-out tires my vehicles, I have never really seen a need. I drove my Ford Supercrew w/ 285/55/20 inch Eagle GT's for 5 years without any problems.

The AWD system works well and the traction control does a great job of controlling wheel spin. The roll mitigation system also helps control any sliding from the high horsepower.

I have to admit I was concerned about the winter handling, but truly the SRT is doing quite well thus far.

Great info, thanks for posting!

awesome. may look into doing the same since I'm in montreal, but surprisingly, we don't have snow yet...soon tho.

What size did you get for the scorpions? Tire pressure gauge working fine?

thanks

There will never be a definitive answer to snow vs. all-season question. Each one of us thinks that we’ll be just fine which ever way we decide to go. Let’s just agree to disagree! The only thing I would like to know is what’s available for our trucks? Thanks for the pics SilverSRT. What size are your tires and how was the installation? I hear that a lot of the bigger rim sizes, 19 and up, are a pain in the a*s for the installers and more often than not rims get nicks and scratches.

BTW, I’m in the snow tires camp. Had snows on my BMW 540 6-speed. A couple of years ago, in about 4 inches of snow, from a red light, I drag raced a Grand Cherokee. We where equal to about 35-40mph, then I pulled away. I was sold. 4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning. Henceforth snow tire advantage. I had snows he had “regular” tires.

4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning.

Sorry to disagree, but with respect to 4WD vs. 2WD stopping...you can downshift a four wheel drive and it will help a LOT to slow you down in comparison to a two wheel drive vehicle.

A rear wheel drive with snow tires hanging with a 4WD from a dig in 4 inches of snow? I need to get me a set of them tires! :)

I bought the pirelli scorpion ice and snow size 255/45/20 and I used them on all 4 corners. They do fit on the 10" wide rear rims but you do not have any protection as the rim sticks out a little further than the rubber on the rears. I ordered mine through a guy named Dallas at www.tirerack.com. I tried several places here in Canada and they told me that they were non available in Canada and that Pirelli was not making any more this year. When I spoke to Dallas at the TireRack he told me that they were getting a shipment of the Scorpion Ice and Snow on Oct 24th. They Charged me $222us/tire plus about 150 for shipping all tires to Calgary. I paid $200 for duty and Tax. I had them mounted and balanced locally. When and If you are to get anything mounted at a tire shop make sure you tell them that the wheels are wider in the rear and that you have tire pressure sensors as this could be a liablity for the shop.

-Tire pressure sensors work fine. Installation went fine too.

Had snows on my BMW 540 6-speed. A couple of years ago, in about 4 inches of snow, from a red light, I drag raced a Grand Cherokee. We where equal to about 35-40mph, then I pulled away. I was sold. 4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning. Henceforth snow tire advantage. I had snows he had “regular” tires.

So true, my wife has Blizzak's on our BMW 330CI and was passing suv's going up a snowy and icy hill. Snow tires and traction control are almost unstoppable.

With respect to the people that choose to use the stock tires for winter driving. I wish you the best but I will guarantee you that if you put on true winter tires, you will never drive another winter with your summer radials. It is money well spent!! and it makes a difference of night and day.

I bought the pirelli scorpion ice and snow size 255/45/20 and I used them on all 4 corners. They do fit on the 10" wide rear rims but you do not have any protection as the rim sticks out a little further than the rubber on the rears. I ordered mine through a guy named Dallas at www.tirerack.com. I tried several places here in Canada and they told me that they were non available in Canada and that Pirelli was not making any more this year. When I spoke to Dallas at the TireRack he told me that they were getting a shipment of the Scorpion Ice and Snow on Oct 24th. They Charged me $222us/tire plus about 150 for shipping all tires to Calgary. I paid $200 for duty and Tax. I had them mounted and balanced locally. When and If you are to get anything mounted at a tire shop make sure you tell them that the wheels are wider in the rear and that you have tire pressure sensors.

Oh and grab a beer and call them back......maybe the guy on the other end of the phone line was smoking some potent BC bud. eh!?

Thanks very much I'll call tirerack again. If anyone gets a beer its you for digging into this and actually coming up with a viable solution. Thanks again. While I get the snows on I'll get them to check for the Goodyear tire problem issue and exchange at that time if necessary.

4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning.


Sorry to disagree, but with respect to 4WD vs. 2WD stopping...you can downshift a four wheel drive and it will help a LOT to slow you down in comparison to a two wheel drive vehicle.

A rear wheel drive with snow tires hanging with a 4WD from a dig in 4 inches of snow? I need to get me a set of them tires! :)

No AutoMag, it is I, who is sorry to say that your bucket holds no water. School is in so pay attention!

What advantage is gained by using engine braking instead of your brake pedal? Notice how you didn’t disagree with me on turning, just stopping. Well, the same laws of physics apply to turning that do to stopping. Tires’ traction is all that matters, NOTHING else!

Here are the specifics. To stop you need to slow down wheel’s rotation. You have two choices here, engine braking or brake system. When you use engine braking (down shift a gear or two) on a 4WD vehicle (assuming that it’s a permanent 4WD) it slows down all 4 wheels’ rotation. When you apply your brake pedal all 4 wheels start slowing down, regardless of the drive configuration of the vehicle. See, same result achieved! As a matter of fact, you have better control of the amount of force applied during braking when you use your brake pedal instead of your engine. So it really DOES NOT matter if you have a 2WD or a 4WD when it comes to slowing down the rotation of the wheels, just use the right method to achieve the desired results!

I’m a bit clueless when it comes to automotive “things”, but I think engine braking is important when you’re off-roading. Long declines tend to overheat brake systems. Also, because one uses transfer cases you can exponentially increase engine braking at low RPMs, thus effectively increasing stopping power. I don’t think any of us need to worry about overburdening our brakes when it comes to snow tire duty.

I would actually choose a RWD vehicle if all I had to do is slow down on a slippery surface, RWD gives you an added layer of protection. Here is what I’m talking about. If you have a FWD then don’t use engine braking as only the front wheels will start slowing down and you can effectively spin yourself out of control. On the other hand, if one drives a RWD then you can use engine braking to PULL yourself back in line if vehicle started spinning, as only the rear wheels are slowing down. Good trick to remember if you drive a RWD.

AutoMag, you probably think that shifting your automatic transmission into 2 or 3 is the thing to do on a slippery road to gain traction, let me know and we can go over this issue too. After that we’ll cover Lochness Monster.

So when it comes to snow tires, get yourself a set of them tires, then post! :)

Clueless, where in your post #28 did you say anything about using brakes?

What I responded to is your statement "4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning."

I'll say it again: downshifting a four-wheel drive vehicle WILL help slow it down, MUCH more so in comparison to a two-wheel drive vehicle. That's it.

It sounds like this is your first four-wheel drive vehicle; either that, or you haven't driven one in the snow a lot. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised whan you start exploring it's limits. :)

Can’t say it’s my first 4WD. A Pathfinder, a Yukon, a Volvo XC70, Discovery, previous body style Grand Cherokee and now this SRT (while living in New England). And Yes, if you get off the gas pedal and the car’s transmission is smart enough to recognize your driving style and hold the gear, you will slow down. But why would you use that method of slowing down rather than applying the break pedal? Especially taking the time to down shift and then have no real control of how the vehicle slows down!? Too much engine braking and you have to up-shift or slap the stick into neutral, or not enough braking force so you jump on the brake pedal. What’s the point??? Especially considering that it’s cheaper to replace brakes than the powertrain/drivetrain (over the time).

AutoMag, I stand by my assertion that 4WD will do nothing for stopping or turning on a slippery road. Any drive configuration will initially slow you down when you get off the gas pedal. But there seems to be absolutely no use in doing so (unless you’re racing). At the end of the day, you’ll continue to down shift and I’ll continue to use the brake pedal.

I also think that you’ll be pleasantly surprised once you get snow tires and start seeing the night and day difference in the handling of your SRT.:)

With respect to the people that choose to use the stock tires for winter driving. I wish you the best but I will guarantee you that if you put on true winter tires, you will never drive another winter with your summer radials. It is money well spent!! and it makes a difference of night and day.

The OEM tires are not summer radials, they are All Season tires that will do fine (especially with AWD) in the snow.

I agree that adding winter tires is the best bet when driving in the snow, but I've said it before, and I'll say it again, All Season tires are fine for the type of winter driving you should be doing. If the roads are that bad that you need snow tires, then you really shouldn't be out on them, or better yet, you should have bought an Overland, not an SRT :p

JMHO

I would actually choose a RWD vehicle if all I had to do is slow down on a slippery surface, RWD gives you an added layer of protection. Here is what I’m talking about. If you have a FWD then don’t use engine braking as only the front wheels will start slowing down and you can effectively spin yourself out of control. On the other hand, if one drives a RWD then you can use engine braking to PULL yourself back in line if vehicle started spinning, as only the rear wheels are slowing down. Good trick to remember if you drive a RWD.


On a slippery surface, downshifting a RWD vehicle can cause the rear end to lock up.

If you think this is a good idea, all I can say is be careful out there!

On a slippery surface, downshifting a RWD vehicle can cause the rear end to lock up.

If you think this is a good idea, all I can say is be careful out there!
Using your logic, what makes you think that downshifting in a 4WD will not cause all 4 to lock up?

If you choose to downshift to slow down, all I can say is be careful since you don't have any way of controlling the wheels (u know, ABS, or force modulation through the brake pedal)!

Well, it's up to you to decide when and if it's safe to downshift or not.

The point is that you originally stated that 4WD does nothing to help you stop i.e. post #28 your statement "4WD will help in acceleration, but will do NOTHING for stopping of turning."

In post #34, you reverse yourself, and state "Here are the specifics. To stop you need to slow down wheel’s rotation. You have two choices here, engine braking or brake system. When you use engine braking (down shift a gear or two) on a 4WD vehicle (assuming that it’s a permanent 4WD) it slows down all 4 wheels’ rotation."

Then in post #36 you reverse yourself again, and state "AutoMag, I stand by my assertion that 4WD will do nothing for stopping or turning on a slippery road."

Myself, I haven't budged. I still assert - with respect to 4WD vs. 2WD stopping - you can downshift a four wheel drive and it will help a LOT to slow you down in comparison to a two wheel drive vehicle. I also contend that downshifting a RWD vehicle in slippery conditions is dangerous due to the possibility of rear-wheel lockup.

I think I will refer to your post #28 in closing..."Let’s just agree to disagree!"

If you want the last word, feel free. I'm happy with my statements. :)

When driving on a slick surface the idea is to do what you can do just short of anything losing its grip. I for one think that there is a better chance of this with the antilock brakes than down shifting. If you happen to go down to far to fast and the tires lose there grip then your are worse off than the brakes. The brakes take me out of the equation and most time this is going to be better. Some feel they do better than the antilocks I don't.

AutoMag, I applaud you for splitting hairs between stopping and slowing down. Fortunately my name is not John Kerry and I did not agree with you before I disagreed.

Interesting to note, you still haven’t offered the benefit of engine breaking rather than using the brake pedal?!

I would love to put my money where my mouth is and race (in the snow) your “All-Weather-tired” Jeep against my “snow-tired” 540. Then we can see who’ll stop in a shorter distance. That would transfer this hypothetical debate into reality. Alas, that’s a long shot, so good luck in the snow.:)

This Almost Funny The Tires That Have The Better Grip Wins. There Is No Such Thing As Good Enough On Any Slick Surface. The Best You Can Get, Goes Better , Turns Better , Stops Better. Thought That Was The Idea Of The Jeep To Do Things Better So As To Be Able To Drive My Hemi Year Around. We Want To Have Still Better Performance In Every Other Way Why Not With Proper Winter Tires.

Do You Capitalize The First Letter Of Every Word Always?

Never seen anyone type that way before

Do You Capitalize The First Letter Of Every Word Always?

Never seen anyone type that way before

NO SH!T!!!!

Man his post are difficult on the eyes. :eek:

Almost looks like he used a Proper Title-case algorithm, eh? :confused:

Maybe this will help... I took my sCase() algorithm from here:

http://mrexcel.com/board2/viewtopic.php?p=901966#901966

And I reprocessed his post. Here's the revised quote:

This almost funny the tires that have the better grip wins. There is no such thing as good enough on any slick surface. The best you can get, goes better , turns better , stops better. Thought that was the idea of the jeep to do things better so as to be able to drive my hemi year around. We want to have still better performance in every other way why not with proper winter tires.
Enjoy. :D

Fast cars, fast women, and fast algorithms. That's what I am talking about! :cool: ;)

Ok My Tire Guys have quoted $1197.00 for Scorpion Ice & Snow 275-50-20 fitted - Does that sound good to you guys?

wow!!! thats a great price!!! $1487.38 installed......and they were the same tires......where are you getting your pricing?? are they a wholesale place and how is thier service.....i have taken my vehicles to places and they like to snap off my wheel sensors or scratch my wheels to hell....so if your guys are good, regarless of price, only take it to them.....

Erie Tires for Less - They are enthusiasts and do a lot of modified cars in this area. They fitted my Porsche last year and did a great job. They already knew about the sensors etc which gave me confidence. They have 27 of these tires in stock and offered that price for the job tomorrow

nice!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow!!! thats a great price!!! $1487.38 installed......and they were the same tires......where are you getting your pricing?? are they a wholesale place and how is thier service.....i have taken my vehicles to places and they like to snap off my wheel sensors or scratch my wheels to hell....so if your guys are good, regarless of price, only take it to them.....



Yup this is starting to look like the preferred option ... I was really hoping to find some skinnies but that doesn't seem to be in the cards. A local tire guy is convinved some 17" steel rims will fit (in spite of my sharing with him the calcs Trainer has provided) ... he even showed me his spanking new catalogue which listed the GCSRT8 against 17" steel rims. I guess I'll let him try a test fit & then (assuming that fails) go with some italian rubber on the stock rims.

Well, I was holding back from chimming in because I had something cooking,,, that went bad!

Since July I have been on a mission to find winter wheels. I must have spent at least 20+ hours on my new obsession of finding these wheels.

Three weeks ago I finally found ONE rim that I "thought" was going to work. I went down to my local rim "bling bling" store (who I've already been in contact with) and ordered them with the Pirelli snow and ice tires.

They came in on Monday. I went down there to test fit them, and, NO GOOD... The bolt pattern was right, the offest was right (as per Jeep) but they simply couldn't clear those DAMN BREMBOS!. We were off by no more than 6mm. We brought out a spacer and then they fit, HOWEVER they then protruded out from the fender (see pics below from my cell phone) and I don't like that at all.

So, if you're looking for a fairly cheap winter rim and don't care about them sticking out them here's your answer... The American Racing RTS wheel, comes in either black or chrome, I was getting the black ($700 for 4). Here's the link on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-BLACK-20-x-8-5-AMERICAN-RACING-RT-S-WHEELS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43960QQihZ005QQi temZ150058965930QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

So what am I planning on doing? I plan on putting the Pirelli snow and ice tires on my OEM rims as much as I don't want to do this, it appears to be my only cost effective (I say cose effective because I did find rims for 600+ per wheel, but that's simply stupid for winter wheels IMHO) option to guarantee a safer winter weather driving season.

Well, I was holding back from chimming in because I had something cooking,,, that went bad!

Since July I have been on a mission to find winter wheels. I must have spent at least 20+ hours on my new obsession of finding these wheels.

Three weeks ago I finally found ONE rim that I "thought" was going to work. I went down to my local rim "bling bling" store (who I've already been in contact with) and ordered them with the Pirelli snow and ice tires.

They came in on Monday. I went down there to test fit them, and, NO GOOD... The bolt pattern was right, the offest was right (as per Jeep) but they simply couldn't clear those DAMN BREMBOS!. We were off by no more than 6mm. We brought out a spacer and then they fit, HOWEVER they then protruded out from the fender (see pics below from my cell phone) and I don't like that at all.

So, if you're looking for a fairly cheap winter rim and don't care about them sticking out them here's your answer... The American Racing RTS wheel, comes in either black or chrome, I was getting the black ($700 for 4). Here's the link on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-BLACK-20-x-8-5-AMERICAN-RACING-RT-S-WHEELS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43960QQihZ005QQi temZ150058965930QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

So what am I planning on doing? I plan on putting the Pirelli snow and ice tires on my OEM rims as much as I don't want to do this, it appears to be my only cost effective (I say cose effective because I did find rims for 600+ per wheel, but that's simply stupid for winter wheels IMHO) option to guarantee a safer winter weather driving season.


Trainer, thanks for chiming in ... I knew from the blue site you were close to something. Sorry they didn't work out. I had a bad experience with an adapter years ago & am still a bit leary of them.

I guess it's perilli's on the stock rims as you have noted ...

TRAINER, thanks for the info. That's what I call a worth while post! Has anyone tried the Overlander wheel yet? I’ve read a bunch of posts regarding those, but no one seems to be going that route!?:confused:

Yep I think I got the best offer. My guys even seem to know about the Brembo clearance. You just hate to mess with the tires too much so I might wait and see how well they do in the snow. Especially since they have 27 of the Scorpions in stock. I can't believe they are going to sell that many quickly

In the rare event there is actually an economical set of 18's that fit out there somewhere, does anyone know if those low pressure sensors cause an audible alarm in addition to the warning light ? Those valves are $60ea (or so I'm told) and while I can probably live with the light an intermittent chime while the car is running would drive me nuts !!

TRAINER, thanks for the info. That's what I call a worth while post! Has anyone tried the Overlander wheel yet? I’ve read a bunch of posts regarding those, but no one seems to be going that route!?:confused:
I think the Overland wheels are only 18". Hopefully this guy gets us some replicas soon.
http://www.***********/forums/showthread.php?t=3628

18" won't allow for clearence for our Brembo's, length wise. We're about 1 1/2" from the edge of the Brembo's to the inside of the rim. The only way that would work is if you dug a trench to allow the brakes to be recessed into the rim..

I live in Chicago. I have driven rear wheel drive vehicles for years, including a 69 Roadrunner. You guys are doing a lot of needless worrying. Just take it easy, and you will not have a problem, unless the snow is real high. The Jeep as AWD, and ESP...Drive it, enjoy it. Heck, you can go WOT in the rain, and just chirp the tires.

That's what I'm doing too, wait and see. I just moved to central VA, where we will probably get more ice than snow. I'm figuring if we get enough snow to have traction issues with the RSAs, the front airdam will probably act as a plow and have problems anyway. I'll just drive my '04 Dakota 4X4 when that happens. :)

If your around CHarlottesville or Richmond, you should not have a lot of problems. Your right though, wait and see how it goes, but personally, you should not have many problems...except other drivers who do not know how to drive when it is snowy/icy.

When I was much younger I drove my 69 Camaro through many north east winters, it was not any fun but I got where I needed to go.

Today I'm an adult with a family and responsibilities, live in a VERY hilly area of north NJ and have had bad experience with these tires. I had RSA's on my Infiniti and they sucked in the snow, I couldn't get out of my own driveway and up my block (a 15+% incline).

I'm not going to be taking any chances with my Jeep in the snow. I don't want to just "get" around and "hope" that I can come to a stop, I NEED assurance that my vehicle is safe for me, my family and the people around me...

But, to each is own, diversity is what makes the world go around...

But, to each is own, diversity is what makes the world go around...

Totally agree. Do whats right for you.

I think the Overland wheels are only 18". Hopefully this guy gets us some replicas soon.
http://www.***********/forums/showthread.php?t=3628
This is actually a good idea. Maybe he can make some replicas in 18" (worst case 19") keeping in mind Brembo clearance. I wonder how many people here would go for that option?

Let's see the show of hands, how many of us would buy???

Well tire rack was out of pirelli 255/45-20 so I got 275/40-20 they fit fine but I was not sure about the clearance on the front, but no problem. They are about .2" shorter but not enough to make the speedometer read wrong, less than 1% off. As to how much better in the snow and I will need snow and ice to find out. I just could not go without better tires to protect myself and my investment in the jeep. I've said and will say again that we want performance in every other way why not tires on slick surfaces. Will let you know how well they do work when I do have snow.

I will let you know how my stock tires do here in Chicago. I have driven RWD here for years, and unless we got 18", I always made it. Trouble is, some people still thing its ok to drive on ice and snow as if its sunny and 80 degrees. Now with the low Fascia, if the snow is real high, I will take my wifes X5.

I still wonder why it is ok to get buy.When what we have shows that we don't just want to get buy, but want to be better than most.

Driving in chicago winters in a ton of crappy ass cars i can say that the tire/wheel combo will not be that big of a hinderance - its the raw power that will it difficult- and since it comes on so early its gonna take a little adjustment, from going balls to the wall summer fun to learning to lightly feather the throttle as to not slide all over the road.

I like others took the advice of the first forum member to offer any real advice on snow tires and went to tire rack and got a set of 275/40/20 Pirrelli's installed. Look good, no over-hang on the back etc. just like everyone on this site said. Today my dealer found out cause had to have the front passenger speaker changed due to bad voice coil and was told that becuase of the wider rims on the back the front and back tires now have a different diameter and the rear wheels will be spinning at a higher rotation and my differential might catch on fire!!!!! "This obviously would not be covered under warranty". They did suggest to me prior to me checking out this site that the ONLY option was to go with Zenetti - Stella Chrome Wheel, 19"x8.5" rims @ $350/each + 19" Pirrelli Scorpion's @ $200/each + tire pressure sensors @ $75 each. The rims he suggested apparently are the only non-custom after market rims that will fit and have the correct bolt patern!!

Any advice for me, am I going to die in a heaping ball of 6.1L Hemi flames on an icy cool winter day or is the dealer full of it?

1. Your dealer is an idiot.
2. Your dealer is an idiot.

Seriously, perhaps you should have staggered like OEM, but a fire, um, errr, I doubt it..

As far as the 19" rims, I have yet to see anyone in the world post their photo's on the net anywhere showing anything smaller than a 20" rim fitting our SRT. I'll believe it when I see it.....

Thanks for the words of comfort, in fairness he was obvioulsy giving me worst case scenerio, but is there a a chance of potential damage to the diff and/ordrive train and/or gears?

Is there a chance? From what I have heard there is a possibility of some "type" of damage however I have yet to read of any.

Our transfer case is unique only to our SRT . There isn't much info let alone long term tests due to the fact that the transfer case is brand new as well as other components. Both dealers and owners can only speculate at this point and give their opinions.

I like others took the advice of the first forum member to offer any real advice on snow tires and went to tire rack and got a set of 275/40/20 Pirrelli's installed. Look good, no over-hang on the back etc. just like everyone on this site said. Today my dealer found out cause had to have the front passenger speaker changed due to bad voice coil and was told that becuase of the wider rims on the back the front and back tires now have a different diameter and the rear wheels will be spinning at a higher rotation and my differential might catch on fire!!!!! "This obviously would not be covered under warranty". They did suggest to me prior to me checking out this site that the ONLY option was to go with Zenetti - Stella Chrome Wheel, 19"x8.5" rims @ $350/each + 19" Pirrelli Scorpion's @ $200/each + tire pressure sensors @ $75 each. The rims he suggested apparently are the only non-custom after market rims that will fit and have the correct bolt patern!!

Any advice for me, am I going to die in a heaping ball of 6.1L Hemi flames on an icy cool winter day or is the dealer full of it?
I also think you dealer is an idiot the front tires were already 1/10 inch larger diameter than the back ones. So if anything they are closer to the same size than they were before. Even if being on the wider back rims makes them smaller in diameter which I do not think is significant it would not be any different than to start with. I believe that as normal for most dealers they would prefer that we not have be able to do anything that does not involve them.( Dealer is full of it.)

I knew the fronts were a different size, but I thought that was offset by narrower wheels making the inner diameter equal front to back, is that not true? If I am going to have a problem what am I going to notice in terms of noises or things while I'm driving? I just went on long trip and took my other car cause the tire issue on my SRT is freaking me out, am I worrying too much about this?

Tell you what to do if you really can't stand it. Jack it up and run a tape measure around them bet they measure the same in spite of the different rim width. May sound silly but you would know for sure.

I knew the fronts were a different size, but I thought that was offset by narrower wheels making the inner diameter equal front to back, is that not true? If I am going to have a problem what am I going to notice in terms of noises or things while I'm driving? I just went on long trip and took my other car cause the tire issue on my SRT is freaking me out, am I worrying too much about this?
Auto, worst case scenario: you break something in the drivetrain. Put your EOM wheels and tires back on and take your ride to the dealer. Let him sort it all out, under warranty!:)

Tell you what to do if you really can't stand it. Jack it up and run a tape measure around them bet they measure the same in spite of the different rim width. May sound silly but you would know for sure.

That's a good idea except I'm too lazy to jack it up, which may sound stupid given my paranoia around the issue. Will measuring the outer diameter, not circumference, while its on the ground still work and if so how much of a difference is important?

Is there a chance? From what I have heard there is a possibility of some "type" of damage however I have yet to read of any.

Our transfer case is unique only to our SRT . There isn't much info let alone long term tests due to the fact that the transfer case is brand new as well as other components. Both dealers and owners can only speculate at this point and give their opinions.

read your thoughts on this issue on the blue site, what did you end up doing if anything at all re: winter tires? I know you are selling now (hope all is OK BTW), but since you seemed to be the most knowledgable and scepticle on this issue was wondering what you decided to do?

That's a good idea except I'm too lazy to jack it up, which may sound stupid given my paranoia around the issue. Will measuring the outer diameter, not circumference, while its on the ground still work and if so how much of a difference is important?

Through a buddy found a tire size calculator. Now this obviously dosen't take into account the 1" difference in rim width from front to back, but do you guys think 1% difference in revs/mile is significant, not interms of speedo readings but in terms of transfer case issues and how much of an impact will the 1" difference in width make? (the 275/40-20's are miy winters which are on all 4 stock rims)
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
275/40-20 4.3in 14.3in 28.7in 90.0in 704 0.0%
285/40-20 4.5in 14.5in 29.0in 91.0in 696 1.1%
255/45-20 4.5in 14.5in 29.0in 91.2in 695 1.3%

read your thoughts on this issue on the blue site, what did you end up doing if anything at all re: winter tires? I know you are selling now (hope all is OK BTW), but since you seemed to be the most knowledgable and scepticle on this issue was wondering what you decided to do?

Here are the only solutions:

1. Pirelli's on our OEM rims
2. Spacers with 20" rims - makes them stick out pretty bad

Best of luck to all with your winter driving...

Safe Driving!

I have been running my Scorpions for a month now with NO problems. I do have the 255/45/20 on all 4 corners. Narrower tires are better for traction in snow.
No problems in snow or ice.

I am glad to here that you are not having problems. I have 275/40 - 20 pirellis as well. Yours being narrower if there is really any size difference because of rim with your problem would be even greater. Frankly I wonder if there is enough difference to be of any concern at all. By you not having any problems says much to do about nothing.

I have been running my Scorpions for a month now with NO problems. I do have the 255/45/20 on all 4 corners. Narrower tires are better for traction in snow.
No problems in snow or ice.


Thanks for the update, I think you were the first on this site to offer up a solution in the first place. I also wanted the 255/40 but tire rack was sold out. Glad to hear you've not had problems, and comforting to me personally as well given the scare the dealer has given me. Do you put a lot of miles on and are you driving hard with the new tire set-up. I guess the only time we'd notice a problem is when the 4 wheel drive system engages and if you've been taking it easy cause of weather maybe the system hasn't been tested yet?

Here are the only solutions:

1. Pirelli's on our OEM rims
2. Spacers with 20" rims - makes them stick out pretty bad

Best of luck to all with your winter driving...

Safe Driving!
Found on www.buywheelstoday.com
TSW - Mineshaft - Chrome
TMS2095127 20"X9.0" 35 off set
bolt pattern 5-127 price $225.00!!! There is the solution provides these fit the rear, trainer what do you think? Should I buy these and put the pirrelli's on these?

Originally I was looking at TSW, more specifically the Montage that offered the same offset as the mineshaft. All the specs made sense however when I contacted TSW directly they said that they wouldn’t fit.

The American Racing wheels I tried had 35 mm offset as well and they didn't fit.

Perhaps the TSW's are different. I saw go local and have them test fit them for you like my local place did.

I like others took the advice of the first forum member to offer any real advice on snow tires and went to tire rack and got a set of 275/40/20 Pirrelli's installed. Look good, no over-hang on the back etc. just like everyone on this site said. Today my dealer found out cause had to have the front passenger speaker changed due to bad voice coil and was told that becuase of the wider rims on the back the front and back tires now have a different diameter and the rear wheels will be spinning at a higher rotation and my differential might catch on fire!!!!! "This obviously would not be covered under warranty". They did suggest to me prior to me checking out this site that the ONLY option was to go with Zenetti - Stella Chrome Wheel, 19"x8.5" rims @ $350/each + 19" Pirrelli Scorpion's @ $200/each + tire pressure sensors @ $75 each. The rims he suggested apparently are the only non-custom after market rims that will fit and have the correct bolt patern!!

Any advice for me, am I going to die in a heaping ball of 6.1L Hemi flames on an icy cool winter day or is the dealer full of it?
Ok here goes, what determines how big around a tire is, the belts not buy the width of the rim. I could be wrong, but the rim width may change how high the tire sits off of the ground, but it can't change diameter as that is fixed, can,t change. So they can't hurt the drive train because it is how far around the have to go, not buy hight. Mabey I am the one over thinking this but I don't THINK so. I think it hurts my head not the Jeep.

Ok here goes, what determines how big around a tire is, the belts not buy the width of the rim. I could be wrong, but the rim width may change how high the tire sits off of the ground, but it can't change diameter as that is fixed, can,t change. So they can't hurt the drive train because it is how far around the have to go, not buy hight. Mabey I am the one over thinking this but I don't THINK so. I think it hurts my head not the Jeep.

I think your right, I tried measuring and could only find 1/8" difference and I think I was over calling it. The rims being wider is only making the overhang different of the tire over the rim. The Pirrelli's are doing very well in the snow and ice, better than the runflats did in the rain. I think I made the right choice. Thanks for your input.

I think your right, I tried measuring and could only find 1/8" difference and I think I was over calling it. The rims being wider is only making the overhang different of the tire over the rim. The Pirrelli's are doing very well in the snow and ice, better than the runflats did in the rain. I think I made the right choice. Thanks for your input. SRT ENGs at the NATS recommended the "Pirellis", 18" rims will clear the brake calipers, hell buy some crappy steel rims for winter beaters! Gene

SRT ENGs at the NATS recommended the "Pirellis", 18" rims will clear the brake calipers, hell buy some crappy steel rims for winter beaters! Gene
18s Won't work, most 20s won't clear, buy wheels today has 20s but when you ask, they won't fit our srt8s

I JUST DROVE MY SRT8 IN THE SNOW LAST NIGHT
TORONTO, CANADA

MY ANALYSIS is in the General Discussion under "Winter Driving Update"

Any updates on the wheel tire combo? The BFGs are still available, but I haven't found any wheels yet.

I've got 2 winters on the SRT here in MN, and the stock setup doesn't cut it.

Any updates on the wheel tire combo? The BFGs are still available, but I haven't found any wheels yet.

I've got 2 winters on the SRT here in MN, and the stock setup doesn't cut it.

Here's my winter set up:

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31274&highlight=dre77&page=2

DRE77

They sell replica wheel on e-bay, you can get 20 by 9 on all 4, then i'll get a set of pirelli scorpion ice and snow.

They sell replica wheel on e-bay, you can get 20 by 9 on all 4, then i'll get a set of pirelli scorpion ice and snow.

This is EXACTLY what I am doing. Don't trust the Runcrap's and also don't want to foul up my OEM wheels. The way I see it, if I'm gonna have to run a winter setup for 5 months, then it BETTER be good looking!

^^^^^ my taught exactly.

i live in BC and just got some 20x9 black reps all around with pirelli scorpions snow and ice. hopfully they do the trick.

Depends where you're located, I've ran a few sets of Pirelli's, nice when highways are bare, but around town when slippery the traction control is always engaging. You turn it off and the transfer case is chewing. Last year the wife's vehicle was in the shop for a week so she drove my gc, hated it, sliding and grinding all the time, switched over to a nokian hak5, just like on her regular vehicle, night and day difference.

http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48831

It all depends on conditions, what do you really want, traction or dry performance. With how ugly it is here, traction is king.

^^were you running pierelli ice and snow? we've been through 1 snow fall so far and they work great.